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Gardner-Webb University: Campus Lake
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Christian college

#21 Best small Christian colleges in America

Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Baptist

Real cost

Average price after aid $17,674 a year

Median debt at graduation: $24,222 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Honor Roll badge

Gardner-Webb University is a Christian university in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, that describes its Christian Life and Service office as grounded in its Baptist heritage. Traditional undergraduates complete four semesters of Dimensions, a weekly chapel-style program, and a student-led Gathering worship service meets on Tuesday nights. Both Old Testament and New Testament courses are required of all bachelor's students, and a Christian Studies major is offered.

Faith life at a glance

A week at Gardner-Webb University

  1. MonToday

    No set time

  2. TueToday

    • 7:15PMPrayer
    • 8:00PMWorship night

  3. WedToday

    No set time

  4. ThuToday

    No set time

  5. FriToday

    No set time

  6. SatToday

    No set time

  7. SunToday

    No set time

No set time: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

Times as the college publishes them. Check before you plan a visit.

In the college’s own words

  • “Christian Life & Service at Gardner-Webb University supports students as they live out the University’s Christian mission through worship, spiritual formation, service, and meaningful community.”

    Source: gardner-webb.edu

  • “Service is a core expression of Gardner-Webb’s Christian mission.”

    Source: gardner-webb.edu

  • “Mission Trips offer opportunities for students to serve locally, nationally, and globally—engaging diverse communities while living out faith through meaningful service.”

    Source: gardner-webb.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

All traditional undergraduates, including transfers, must complete four semesters of Dimensions, attending at least 10 programs each semester.

Source: gardner-webb.smartcatalogiq.com
What's a normal week?

The Gathering, a student-led worship service, meets Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. in Stewart Hall. Students gather to pray for campus at 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays in Tucker Chapel.

Source: gardner-webb.edu
Where do I find community?

Small Groups offer students weekly Bible study, accountability and prayerful support.

Source: gardner-webb.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Mission trips let students serve locally, nationally and globally, and the office has sponsored international trips to many countries.

Source: gardner-webb.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Show 6 more

Academic Excellence

B-Academic Excellence: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
56 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.55%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.55%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,113 · ACT 22
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.12 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$8,808

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

BWorship and chapel: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Worship and chapel

80 of 100 points · 7 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel services during the weekOnce a week (One regular weekly chapel-style program (Dimensions, Tuesdays) appears.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Dimensions | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service/dimensions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Dimensions is held on Tuesdays at 9:25am in Stewart Hall, Tucker Student Center unless otherwise noted.”
      Dimensions is held on Tuesdays at 9:25 a.m. in Stewart Hall, Tucker Student Center.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Required: four semesters of Dimensions, at least 10 programs per semester.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Dimensions Program | Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog 2026-2027gardner-webb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/academic-catalog/traditional-undergraduate-programs/other-graduation-requirements/dimensions-program · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “All Gardner-Webb Traditional Undergraduate students, including transfer students, are required to satisfactorily complete 4 semesters of Dimensions in order to graduate. To meet this requirement, students must attend at least 10 programs per semester.”
      Dimensions attendance is required of traditional undergraduates: four semesters, at least 10 programs per semester.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week
    Sources (2)
    1. Christian Life and Service | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Gathering is a student-led worship service held weekly, offering space for worship, teaching, creative expression, and fellowship within the campus community.”
      A student-led worship service, The Gathering, is held weekly.
    2. Student Ministries | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service/student-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Gathering is a student-led worship service open to all students in the Stewart Hall (in the Tucker Student Center) every Tuesday night at 8 p.m.”
      The Gathering meets every Tuesday at 8 p.m. in Stewart Hall in the Tucker Student Center.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Daily or always open (A 24/7 prayer room is listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Ministries | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service/student-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Throughout the week and before The Gathering on Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. in the Tucker Chapel, students gather to pray for campus as well as the future of the university. There is also a 24/7 prayer room located in Dover Chapel.”
      Students gather to pray on Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. in Tucker Chapel, and a 24/7 prayer room is in Dover Chapel.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsFull-time campus pastor or chaplain (A named campus pastor, chaplain or dean of chapel serves students on the college staff.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Christian Life and Service | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service”
      A Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service is named on the office's staff list.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Ministries | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service/student-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Throughout the week and before The Gathering on Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. in the Tucker Chapel, students gather to pray for campus as well as the future of the university. There is also a 24/7 prayer room located in Dover Chapel.”
      Students gather to pray on Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. in Tucker Chapel, and a 24/7 prayer room is in Dover Chapel.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer3 or 4 times a week (3 weekly times documented: 1 chapel, 1 worship night, 1 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
ABible and theology: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

89 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students2 courses (RELI 300 and RELI 301 are required of all bachelor's-degree students, including transfers (2026-27 catalog).)
    Sources (1)
    1. General Education Requirements | Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog 2026-2027gardner-webb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/academic-catalog/traditional-undergraduate-programs/undergraduate-degrees-and-major-fields/general-education-requirements · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Because of the Christian nature of Gardner-Webb’s identity and mission (see point seven above), it requires all bachelor’s-degree-seeking students, including transfers, to earn credit (whether at Gardner-Webb or another institution under transfer or transient credit policies) for RELI 300: Introduction to the Old Testament and RELI 301: Introduction to the New Testament.”
      All bachelor's-degree students must earn credit for RELI 300 (Old Testament) and RELI 301 (New Testament).
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students
    Sources (1)
    1. General Education Requirements | Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog 2026-2027gardner-webb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/academic-catalog/traditional-undergraduate-programs/undergraduate-degrees-and-major-fields/general-education-requirements · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Because of the Christian nature of Gardner-Webb’s identity and mission (see point seven above), it requires all bachelor’s-degree-seeking students, including transfers, to earn credit (whether at Gardner-Webb or another institution under transfer or transient credit policies) for RELI 300: Introduction to the Old Testament and RELI 301: Introduction to the New Testament.”
      All bachelor's-degree students must earn credit for RELI 300 (Old Testament) and RELI 301 (New Testament).
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (Stated in the general education description (academic policy): the curriculum includes engaging personal faith with learning, and a learning goal is rooted in a Christian worldview.)
    Sources (1)
    1. General Education Requirements | Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog 2026-2027gardner-webb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/academic-catalog/traditional-undergraduate-programs/undergraduate-degrees-and-major-fields/general-education-requirements · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Gardner-Webb’s distinctive General Education program also includes opportunities to engage personal faith with learning.”
      The general education program includes opportunities to engage personal faith with learning.
      “Demonstrate biblical literacy and ethical self-awareness rooted in a Christian worldview”
      A general education learning goal is biblical literacy rooted in a Christian worldview.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (Christian Studies, Bachelor of Arts (2026-27 catalog).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Christian Studies, Bachelor of Arts | Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog 2026-2027gardner-webb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/academic-catalog/traditional-undergraduate-programs/college-of-arts-and-sciences/department-of-religious-studies-and-philosophy/christian-studies-bachelor-of-arts · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Christian Studies major will prepare students for careers in service to God and humanity through the study of the Christian scriptures, engagement with Christian traditions, the sharpening of students’ minds, and experiences in Christian ministry.”
      A Christian Studies Bachelor of Arts major is offered.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A published statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
AChristian community: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Christian community

88 of 100 points · 4 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)3 to 4 (Three professional ministry staff are named on the Christian Life and Service staff list.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Christian Life and Service | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service”
      A Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service is named on the office's staff list.
      “Associate Minister to the University for Pastoral Care”
      An associate minister for pastoral care is named on the office's staff list.
      “Associate Minister to the University for Athletic Ministries”
      An associate minister for athletic ministries is named on the office's staff list.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Ministries | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service/student-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Small Groups offer students the opportunity for weekly Bible study, accountability, and prayerful support while at Gardner-Webb.”
      Small groups offer weekly Bible study to students.
      “We invite you to participate in Campus Ministries United (CMU), an umbrella association consisting of a variety of student ministry groups.”
      Campus Ministries United is an umbrella association of student ministry groups.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Yes
    Sources (1)
    1. Christian Life and Service | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “This work includes support for ministry events and conferences, student connections to local churches and mission opportunities, and church-related scholarships that help make a Gardner-Webb education accessible.”
      The office connects students to local churches and mission opportunities.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Christian Life and Service | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Christian Life & Service at Gardner-Webb University supports students as they live out the University’s Christian mission through worship, spiritual formation, service, and meaningful community.”
      A university office, Christian Life and Service, supports students' Christian mission and spiritual life.
AMissions and service: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

90 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Christian Life and Service | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Service is a core expression of Gardner-Webb’s Christian mission. Christian Life & Service invites students to connect faith with action while discerning their gifts, vocation, and calling.”
      Service is presented as part of the university's Christian mission, and the office invites students to connect faith with action.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsSome
    Sources (1)
    1. Christian Life and Service | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Mission Trips offer opportunities for students to serve locally, nationally, and globally—engaging diverse communities while living out faith through meaningful service.”
      Mission trips offer students service opportunities locally, nationally and globally.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceMany
    Sources (2)
    1. Christian Life and Service | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Christian Life & Service partners with Christ-centered churches, associations, and denominations to strengthen shared work in faith, education, and service.”
      The office partners with churches and associations for shared work in faith and service.
    2. Student Ministries | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service/student-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “FOCUS consists of teams of students who are involved with leading youth retreats locally and regionally.”
      A student FOCUS program leads youth retreats in churches locally and regionally.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsMany
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Ministries | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service/student-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “our office has sponsored many international trips, including to Honduras, South Africa, Romania, Greece, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Ireland, and many other countries.”
      The office has sponsored many international mission trips.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Christian Life and Service | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Service is a core expression of Gardner-Webb’s Christian mission. Christian Life & Service invites students to connect faith with action while discerning their gifts, vocation, and calling.”
      Service is presented as part of the university's Christian mission, and the office invites students to connect faith with action.

Strengths

  • Dimensions is a required weekly program for traditional undergraduates: four semesters, at least 10 programs per semester.
    Sources (1)
    1. Dimensions Program | Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog 2026-2027gardner-webb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/academic-catalog/traditional-undergraduate-programs/other-graduation-requirements/dimensions-program · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “All Gardner-Webb Traditional Undergraduate students, including transfer students, are required to satisfactorily complete 4 semesters of Dimensions in order to graduate. To meet this requirement, students must attend at least 10 programs per semester.”
      Dimensions attendance is required of traditional undergraduates: four semesters, at least 10 programs per semester.
  • Old Testament and New Testament courses are required of all bachelor's-degree students.
    Sources (1)
    1. General Education Requirements | Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog 2026-2027gardner-webb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/academic-catalog/traditional-undergraduate-programs/undergraduate-degrees-and-major-fields/general-education-requirements · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Because of the Christian nature of Gardner-Webb’s identity and mission (see point seven above), it requires all bachelor’s-degree-seeking students, including transfers, to earn credit (whether at Gardner-Webb or another institution under transfer or transient credit policies) for RELI 300: Introduction to the Old Testament and RELI 301: Introduction to the New Testament.”
      All bachelor's-degree students must earn credit for RELI 300 (Old Testament) and RELI 301 (New Testament).
  • A 24/7 prayer room is listed in Dover Chapel, with weekly student prayer before The Gathering.
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Ministries | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service/student-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Throughout the week and before The Gathering on Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. in the Tucker Chapel, students gather to pray for campus as well as the future of the university. There is also a 24/7 prayer room located in Dover Chapel.”
      Students gather to pray on Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. in Tucker Chapel, and a 24/7 prayer room is in Dover Chapel.
  • Many student small groups, ministry groups and mission programs are listed, including a Christian Studies major.
    Sources (2)
    1. Student Ministries | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service/student-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Small Groups offer students the opportunity for weekly Bible study, accountability, and prayerful support while at Gardner-Webb.”
      Small groups offer weekly Bible study to students.
      “our office has sponsored many international trips, including to Honduras, South Africa, Romania, Greece, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Ireland, and many other countries.”
      The office has sponsored many international mission trips.
    2. Christian Studies, Bachelor of Arts | Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog 2026-2027gardner-webb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/academic-catalog/traditional-undergraduate-programs/college-of-arts-and-sciences/department-of-religious-studies-and-philosophy/christian-studies-bachelor-of-arts · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Christian Studies major will prepare students for careers in service to God and humanity through the study of the Christian scriptures, engagement with Christian traditions, the sharpening of students’ minds, and experiences in Christian ministry.”
      A Christian Studies Bachelor of Arts major is offered.

Concerns

  • The general education description lists a Christian worldview learning goal.
    Sources (1)
    1. General Education Requirements | Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog 2026-2027gardner-webb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/academic-catalog/traditional-undergraduate-programs/undergraduate-degrees-and-major-fields/general-education-requirements · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Because of the Christian nature of Gardner-Webb’s identity and mission (see point seven above), it requires all bachelor’s-degree-seeking students, including transfers, to earn credit (whether at Gardner-Webb or another institution under transfer or transient credit policies) for RELI 300: Introduction to the Old Testament and RELI 301: Introduction to the New Testament.”
      All bachelor's-degree students must earn credit for RELI 300 (Old Testament) and RELI 301 (New Testament).
      “Demonstrate biblical literacy and ethical self-awareness rooted in a Christian worldview”
      A general education learning goal is biblical literacy rooted in a Christian worldview.
  • Residence life describes spiritual-emphasis programming.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission and Goals | Gardner-Webb University Housing and Residence Lifegardner-webb.edu/student-life/residence-life/mission-and-goals · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Design, implement, and maintain a departmental programming model that provides effective spiritual-emphasis, educational-emphasis, social-emphasis programmatic opportunities for the residential population”
      Residence life plans spiritual-emphasis programming for residents.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Christian Life and Service

  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: Tucker Chapel, Dover Chapel prayer room

Source: gardner-webb.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, gardner-webb.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (2)
  1. Christian Life and Service | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Grounded in our Baptist heritage and Christ-centered values, this work serves students across all backgrounds and stages of faith.”
    Christian Life and Service is grounded in the university's Baptist heritage.
    “Christian Life & Service at Gardner-Webb University supports students as they live out the University’s Christian mission through worship, spiritual formation, service, and meaningful community.”
    A university office, Christian Life and Service, supports students' Christian mission and spiritual life.
  2. Student Ministries | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service/student-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “We invite you to participate in Campus Ministries United (CMU), an umbrella association consisting of a variety of student ministry groups.”
    Campus Ministries United is an umbrella association of student ministry groups.

Christian clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 1 off campus, 2 location not published

Service 2

  • F.O.C.U.S. (Fellowship of Christians United in Service)Off campus
    Student teams that lead youth retreats in churches locally and regionally.
    gardner-webb.edu
  • Missions Possible
    Mission awareness and student mission trips, national and international.
    gardner-webb.edu

Clubs and groups 2

  • Campus Ministries UnitedOn campus
    Umbrella association of student ministry groups.
    gardner-webb.edu
  • Small Groups (Men's and Women's Ministries)
    Weekly
    Weekly Bible study, accountability and prayer for students in small groups.
    gardner-webb.edu

Worship and prayer 1

  • The GatheringOn campus
    Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
    Student-led worship service with worship, teaching, creative expression and fellowship.
    gardner-webb.edu, gardner-webb.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 1

  • Tuesday9:25 AMStewart Hall, Tucker Student Center · Dimensions, the required weekly program for traditional undergraduates; recorded from the Dimensions page (current site, 2026-27 catalog requirement).

Worship night 1

  • Tuesday8:00 PMStewart Hall, Tucker Student Center · The Gathering, a student-led worship service.

Prayer 1

  • Tuesday7:15 PMTucker Chapel · Student prayer for campus before The Gathering.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (2)
  1. Dimensions | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service/dimensions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Dimensions is held on Tuesdays at 9:25am in Stewart Hall, Tucker Student Center unless otherwise noted.”
    Dimensions is held on Tuesdays at 9:25 a.m. in Stewart Hall, Tucker Student Center.
  2. Student Ministries | Gardner-Webb Universitygardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-life-and-service/student-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “The Gathering is a student-led worship service open to all students in the Stewart Hall (in the Tucker Student Center) every Tuesday night at 8 p.m.”
    The Gathering meets every Tuesday at 8 p.m. in Stewart Hall in the Tucker Student Center.
    “Throughout the week and before The Gathering on Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. in the Tucker Chapel, students gather to pray for campus as well as the future of the university. There is also a 24/7 prayer room located in Dover Chapel.”
    Students gather to pray on Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. in Tucker Chapel, and a 24/7 prayer room is in Dover Chapel.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$15,304
$30,001–$48,000$14,594
$48,001–$75,000$13,769
$75,001–$110,000$15,946
Over $110,000$22,438

Full cost of attendance before aid: $47,091 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
1,840
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 38% · Women 62%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
35%
Total students3,125
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$17,674
Cost of attendance (per year)$47,091
Median federal debt at graduation$24,222
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
55%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients
College Scorecard, within 6 years
58%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
59%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
51%
First-year retention55%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$48,039
Admission rate77%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
No application fee
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $763 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants37%
Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 975–1198ACT 19–25
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1113
SAT reading & writing495–608
SAT math480–590
ACT composite19–25
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 61 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

MajorMedian earnings
Nursing$75,117
Computer science$68,175
Business administration$61,489
Accounting$58,918
Kinesiology and exercise science$58,061
Criminal justice$51,709
Psychology$49,587
Biology$48,505
Health administration$47,089
Teacher education$45,110
Clinical and counseling psychology$42,936
Communication studies$35,982

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Allied health, American Sign Language, Arts management, Chemistry, Design, Economics, English, Finance, Fine arts, Fire science, Global studies, History, International business, Journalism, Linguistics, Marketing, Mathematics, Music, Physiology and pathology, Political science, Religious studies, Romance languages, Secondary education, Social sciences, Sociology, Teaching English as a second language, Theatre.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

FieldShare of degrees
Business20%
Health professions19%
Psychology14%
Education10%
Biology9%

Campus facts

School colors
SettingRural
Part-time undergraduates12%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older25%
On-campus room and board (per year)$11,410
SportsNCAA Division I · Big South Conference
ROTCArmy
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member12 to 1
Faculty who are full-time99%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$29,814IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 74% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceGreenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)About 39 miles away · about 1 hour 5 minutes by car
Nearest major airportCharlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)About 41 miles away
Town population4,757Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreCharlotteAbout 47 miles away · about 1 hour 15 minutes by car
Typical weather40°F in January · 78°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Shelby 2 NW, NC, about 7 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.000.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.000.04
Burglary0.000.08
Motor vehicle theft0.000.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Questions families ask

Is Gardner-Webb University a Christian college?
Yes. Gardner-Webb University is a Christian college.
What is Gardner-Webb University’s Compass Score?
79 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Gardner-Webb University?
Chapel is listed at Stewart Hall and Tucker Student Center. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 198561
  • Carnegie classification: Doctoral/professional university
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Southern Baptist
  • Report an error or a newer source
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